Good morning, Ithaca.

Wendy's CEO Ken Cook said the fast-food chain will close a mid single-digit percentage of its Southern Tier restaurants starting this year and continuing into 2026 — no list of locations was provided.

Three new grape tomato varieties—Green Nebula, Stargazer, and Cosmic Pink—have been added to the Galaxy Suite developed by a Cornell horticulturist and can be preordered through High Mowing Organic Seeds for spring 2026 planting.

The 34th Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is set for July 16th—19th and performer applications remain open until the end of this year; tickets are now on sale at a holiday rate until January 20th with all fees included.

Nearly 60 new Dean’s Scholars were honored at a Graduate School pinning ceremony in October—each scholar received a gold pin with a silver ring to mark their academic excellence, leadership, and service—at Cornell.

Dean Thomas A. Lewis praised the students for their diverse talents and contributions, noting their role in building an inclusive community.

Cornell released a new video series that shows 10 years of work in teaming up with local community members in learning.

The videos share stories from leaders, students, and partners—highlighting Cornell’s strong role in hands-on education and public service.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s renovated Visitor Center in Ithaca received two awards from the Society for Experiential Graphic Design — the Merit Award and Sustainability Impact Recognition Award — and a Gold in exhibit and print from Graphis Awards for its innovative design and sustainable features.

Dryden teachers approved a three-year contract after three days of negotiations, and their pay raises will apply retroactively—District superintendent Josh Bacigalupi confirmed the ratification earlier this month.

State Senator James Skoufis introduced a bill called New Yorkers for Common Cents Act that would require vendors to round cash purchases to the nearest five cents as the US ends penny production + the law excludes digital payments and will take effect 180 days after it is signed.

The Cortland County Health Department has opened the grant application process for the Tobacco Free Zone program—offering mini grants of up to $35,000 to reduce tobacco use impacts in Cortland, Tompkins and Chenango Counties.

Applications will be due by December 18th at 11:30 a.m. and selected projects will run from February 1 to April 30.

Unicorn kale, created by Phillip Griffiths from Cornell AgriTech, will debut in Johnny’s Selected Seed catalog for 2026—available as full-size, premium baby leaf, and micro-kale—and gives salad lovers a colorful, new option.

Early trials in Vermont praised its golden look with purple veins—different from anything on the market—and noted its tender taste.

Ithaca College football regained the Cortaca Jug by beating SUNY Cortland 26–21 on Saturday with wide receiver Nick Lang scoring two touchdowns in front of about 8,000 fans — the Bills outplayed the Buccaneers 44–32 while the Giants lost to the Packers 27–20 and other local teams had mixed results in football, basketball, hockey and soccer over the weekend.

Absolute Queen - A Tribute to Queen

8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available online — Rock out to the legendary hits of Queen with Almost Queen.

Pink Talking Fish Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience a unique fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish in one unforgettable concert.

Jazz Social at the Regent Lounge

5:00-6:30 p.m. — The Statler Hotel at Cornell University — Free entry — Experience delightful performances from award-winning jazz ensembles in a charming lounge atmosphere.

Macro Workshop with Anmol Bhandari

11:40 AM - 12:55 PM — Ives Hall — No entry fee — Explore macroeconomic theories and applications with a leading economist in an interactive workshop.

Béla Fleck Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Experience an evening of innovative music featuring Béla Fleck and his talented ensemble.

The Wood Brothers Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience the soulful folk sounds of The Wood Brothers in the heart of Ithaca.

A Very Merry Classic Christmas with Jessica Lynn

7:00-8:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a festive holiday concert featuring award-winning artist Jessica Lynn.